Tokioka
BlacksandBlues
What language does Singapore speak anyway??
confused @Toki: Yesh, me want one!
4laugh heart I think it's mandarin, but there may be more languages.
And no you cannot have a wowwipop. It's nearly bed-time for you, so go and brush your teeth.
3nodding lol.. lots...
mainly English + either Chinese, Malay or Indian..
well, basically there are 4 races... Chinese, Malay, Indians and some Eurasians... Most Singaporeans are Chinese...
Our first lang is actually English - British English, tho we tend to speak more Singlish (i.e a slang of Broken English, which at times is mixed with other languages in sentences.)
the chinese would learn chinese (mandarin) as their 2nd lang
Malays would learn malay and the Indian would learn tamil... ^^
Mostly the older generation would speak their own dialects, like cantonese, hokkien, teo chiew... etc so we do picked some words from there...
here's a joke about it....
So for all of you new expats a short list of "what to expect when dealing with Singaporeans"
When going shopping...
anywhere else: I'm sorry, Sir, but we don't seem to have the sweater you want in your size, but if you give me a moment, I can call the other outlets for you.
S'poreans: No Stock!
---
When returning a call...
Anywhere else: Hello, this is Mr Bean. Did anyone page for me a few moments ago?
S'poreans: Hello, who page?
---
When someone is in the way...
Anywhere else: Excuse me, I'd like to get by. Would you please make way?
S'poreans: Lai, siam! or Siam, hor! or Skius! ('siam' is hokkien)
---
When someone offers to pay...
Anywhere else: Hey, put your wallet away, this drink is on me.
S'poreans: no need lah
---
When asking for permission...
Anywhere else: Excuse me, but do you think it would be possible for me to enter through this door?
S'poreans: (while pointing at door) Can pass or Not?
---
When asking to be excused...
Anywhere else: If you would excuse me for a moment, I have to go to the
gents/ladies. Please carry on without me, it would only take a moment.
S'poreans: Go toilet. Buay tahan ahh..... (Buay tahan - malay, which means, i can't take it anymore)
---
When entertaining...
Anywhere else: Please make yourself right at home.
S'poreans: Don't shy shy lah..or Wah! How much you pay rent?
---
When doubting someone...
Anywhere else : I don't recall you giving me the money.
S'poreans: Got meh?
---
When declining an offer...
Anywhere else: I'd prefer not to do that, if you don't mind.
S'poreans: Doe-waaaan.
---
When deciding on a plan of action...
Anywhere else: What do you propose we do now that the movie's sold out
& all the restaurants are closed?
S'poreans: So how?
---
When disagreeing on a topic of discussion...
Anywhere else : Err. Tom, I have to stop you there. I understand where you're coming from, but I really have to disagree with what you said about the policy.
S'poreans: Talk c**k lah you!
---
When asking someone to lower their voice...
Anywhere else : Excuse me, but could you please lower your voice, I'm trying to concentrate over here.
S'poreans: Eh, Tiam leh!
and more.....
rofl Not all of us talk like that... but we do tend to cut sentences short and use "lahs" "lor" "meh" at the end of the sentence... xD